The fourth iteration of the recently finished Design Week Lagos (DWL) 2022 took place from Wednesday, October19, to October23, 2022.
The event is a well-planned effort that strives to honor and unite a community of African designers, and fashion enthusiast. With a purpose to develop a recognisable and sustainable design culture for Africa.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, officially opened the flag-off event on the first day.
“I am so excited about the Design Week Lagos Exhibition. We also have different designers at the exhibitionfrom different parts of the world, including product, interior, space, and architectural designers. What Design Week Lagos is doing helps us function better in the design aspects of our life. We all think about designs in different ways but for us, we want to show you design beyond the box!. Thank you all, and please enjoy the evening and the Design Week Lagos show” Titi Ogufere expressed. She further extended gratitude to the sponsors of the event. The sponsors include Amstel Malta, MTN, Desperados, and Livespot.
The DWL exhibition officially kicked off and opened to the public on October 20, 2022. furthermore, With weeklong days of eccentric activities showcased an array of fascinating,and luxurious displays of African designs. Which also include material designs, interiors, fabrics, architecture, and so on.
The exhibition also featured its first series of panel discussions and master class. This was taken by the renounced architect, Jumoke Adenowo on “Neo Heritage” . Other panel sessions were held by experts in the international and African design corridors . Jacqueline Aki, Myles Igwebuike, Banke, Ajagunna, James Adisa, Stefanie Adisa, and many more. Students from the Departments of Architecture, University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology also graced this event .
Also, Representatives from numerous high-end enterprises also made offerings to the audience. These promotions highlighted Access Bank. The project targeted women and provided insights from Dulux Nigeria on products for architectural paints.
Akinwale Johnson, the founder of Polar Bear Tech, educated the audience on the advantages of Virtual Reality (VR). And how its availability is promoting improved work performance and delivery.
in addition, Demas Nwoko, an award-winning Painter, Sculptor, Architect, and Designer, ended with an exceptional book launch titled ‘ConcreteThe thinking”.
The newly released is a collection of essays. it has been in the works for as long as he has been active. Also being the summation of his writings and thoughtswithin the domains of his work over the years. The evening began with a cultural dance presentation by a group of children entertaining the guests who cheered on.
In attendance at the book launch were – Fadesewa of Simawa (Long Term Associate and Collaborator of Demas Nwoko), His Royal Highness, Oba Gbenga Sonuga (Former Director of Lagos State Council for Art and Culture), Kavita Chellaram (Art Collector, Founder of KO Art Gallery), Nike Okundaye (Founder of Nike Art Gallery) among others.
In conclusion, It was a positive, wholesome experience, one that fully encompassed the core of what DWL is and its mission.The festival was a cultural exposition, from the amazing product designers (new and seasoned) who blew our minds to DWL Talks that hosted some extremely informative sessions. Also,the well-curated food at the cafe and cozy lounge spaces and, of course, the launch of the book ‘Concrete Thinking’ by Pa Demas Nwoko.
“The most exciting thing for me was the natural balance as to which things flowed. The festival was filled with efficacious visual stimulation and strategic design commerce. – I saw business being transacted and collaborations being fostered!. My take is, DWL truly isn’t a festival to miss, next year promises to be more engaging and exciting. See you in 2023. Osaru Allie, Creative Director, CC Interiors Studio, giving her closing remarks as the curtains of DWL 2022 wound down.
